Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Hempfield, PA (Mar 2023)
- East Hempfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,798
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Hempfield
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in East Hempfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Hempfield it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in East Hempfield is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,727 for a solar installation, or $16,770 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average East Hempfield homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Hempfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,746 |
| 3 years | $-8,784 |
| 5 years | $-6,822 |
| 7 years | $-4,860 |
| 9 years | $-2,898 |
| 11 years | $-936 |
| 13 years | $1,026 |
| 15 years | $2,988 |
| 17 years | $4,950 |
| 19 years | $6,912 |
| 21 years | $8,874 |
| 23 years | $10,836 |
| 25 years | $12,798 |
Top Solar Installers in East Hempfield
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in East Hempfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Hempfield
The cost of installing a solar system in East Hempfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in East Hempfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Hempfield to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for East Hempfield homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,252 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,288 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,467 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,789 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,254 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,861 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,612 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,505 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in East Hempfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's East Hempfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Hempfield?
The average cost of solar panels in East Hempfield is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.